Former Vice President and Prime Minister, John Samuel Malecela, has stated that tourism anywhere in the world goes hand in hand with peace and stability.
He urged citizens to safeguard peace in order to promote tourism in the country and continue benefiting from the sector.
Malecela made these remarks yesterday during the launch of the Same Tourism Festival, held at the bus stand grounds in Same District, Kilimanjaro Region.
He emphasized that tourism is a key sector that contributes significantly to earning foreign exchange.
He noted that in some countries around the world, governments are largely funded through tourism, and therefore the issue should be taken very seriously.
The leader further explained that the foundation of tourism is hospitality, and he called on residents of Same District to set a good example in welcoming visitors in order to grow the district’s tourism industry.
“Even if there are 10,000 pigeons gathered in one place, once a stone is thrown, they all scatter. Likewise, our tourism must begin with us Tanzanians maintaining peace. Peace is essential because it attracts tourists and enables economic growth,” said Malecela.
He added, “Hospitality towards visitors is very important. In some places, people do not visit because there is no welcoming spirit. Here in Same, we must have a heart for receiving guests in order to develop our tourism.”
He emphasized that peace is what unites the nation and urged Tanzanians to continue preserving it, as other developments will follow.
“For tourism in Same to grow, it must start with us, the residents, having a strong spirit of hospitality. When visitors come and leave with positive experiences, they will spread good word. While they may come to see wildlife, if they are not warmly welcomed, they will not return,” Malecela stressed.
The Same District Commissioner, Kaslida Mgeni, said that the aim of establishing the festival is to support the efforts of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, through her film The Royal Tour.
The main goal is to promote domestic tourism, create opportunities for youth, and boost the national economy.
She added that the Same Tourism Festival is now being held for the third season, with the number of tourists increasing each year at various attractions found in Same District.
She highlighted that some animals cannot be found anywhere else except in Same, such as the black rhinoceros, which is only found in Mkomazi National Park.
In addition, Same District has many unique tourist attractions, including Mount Kidenge, known for its beautiful scenery.
There is also a special cave where animals such as cattle, goats, and donkeys live without herders; they reproduce naturally, and it is prohibited to remove them from that area.
Furthermore, there is a natural forest found in the district. All these attractions are located in Same District.
